Thanks for checking out our SmackDown space again this week. It is a huge week for yours truly including the opening of our newest J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Moore, Okla., at exit 116 on I-35 just about 11 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City. You can read all about it on our latest blog at www.jrsbarbq.com.

This is also Bash week as in The Great American Bash (GAB) which was the NWA’s way of countering WWE’s SummerSlam event way back in the day. The Bash often times featured “War Games” which is one of my favorite novelty bouts of all time and which many of you can currently see on WWE 24/7.

The GAB was originally created to be featured south of the Mason-Dixon line for Jim Crockett Promotions by its creator, WWE HOF’er Dusty Rhodes, and the irony of the event being in the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, N.Y., is smile-worthy. The historic, old Coliseum has been sold-out for weeks, hell since the first day tickets went on sale, and I have always liked the fans that attend WWE events in the Coliseum because they don’t give a damn who they are supposed to cheer for or who they are supposed to boo, but go with their gut feelings and natural instincts. They pay for their tickets so they should be able to express themselves in any manner they choose as long as it isn’t breaking the law or offending others with abusive language, etc.

Brian Kendrick has a certain “Brian Pillman” quality about him, and for those that know how highly I regarded “The Ticking Time Bomb,” that’s a compliment to Kendrick. Kendrick will be accompanied to the ring by a large gentleman by the name of Ezekiel, or so we are told, but I am not sure of their business arrangement. I do suggest that all SmackDown fans keep an eye on Brian Kendrick, who is supremely confident of his in-ring abilities, even though he isn’t the biggest dog in the fight. To that I say “so what”?

I just got a great idea for a new reality TV show … BROTHER! It would be set in a car, perhaps even Sgt. Slaughter’s old camouflage limo, and it would be a cross country trip with Bravo’s D-List sensation Kathy Griffin playing “Out-think the Fink” with the future WWE HOF’er Howard Finkel. Hey, one never knows where one finds a little impromptu romance, as these two personalities might create significant “sexual tension.” What a visual … “The Fink” getting “friendly” with the controversial redhead … wait a minute … I just caught a glimpse of said visual and this might not be such a good idea after all. Never mind. Please disperse … there’s nothing more to see here. 

Don’t think I have ever seen Ric Flair happier than he is right now at this stage of his life. ‘Ol J.R. had a couple of beverages with “Naitch” Tuesday night after the SmackDown tapings at the lovely Westin Hotel in downtown Charlotte. It was a short night to say the least, but sleep … I don’t need no stinking sleep! A famous man once told me that “sleep is our enemy.” Ric might be visiting J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q this September if he can work out details on an appearance at the Oklahoma State Fair on September 20. I will keep you posted. 

Friday Night SmackDown is a little reminiscent of a primetime soap opera a la Dallas or Dynasty from days of yesteryear or even Days of our Lives, etc., that currently air on daytime American TV. Interesting material to say the least with a rather shocking conclusion as the episode leaves the air. Oh, yeah there is also some nice wrestling action on this broadcast too, including a Kennedy vs. Umaga main event and an intriguing contest between Matt and Jeff Hardy that was competed in a fashion that really surprised me … in a good way. Check out Friday Night SmackDown and help us build the brand, as I am trying to stick around long enough to get my “gold watch.”

It is amazing the volume of photos of all the lovely WWE Divas that one can find on WWE.com. The “Tony Soprano of WWE.com,” the erstwhile Joe E. Styles certainly has good taste in selecting the most beautiful (Bella … Bella) Divas in WWE for the always-improving WWE.com site. 

The King and I will reunite this weekend but not on TV, as we will be making an autograph signing appearance at Franklin Square Video in Franklin Square, N.Y., from 4 to 6 p.m. this Saturday, July 19. If you happen to be coming to The Great American Bash or are in the neighborhood I hope you will drop by and say hello. WWE fans are the best … the best Jerry … the best!!

Just for my money, I hope that the WWE Title Bout between Triple H and Edge this Sunday at the Bash closes the show. OK, so I’m not unbiased, so sue me. The WWE Title is and has always been the top single’s title in WWE, and The Game and his newly-wedded No. 1 contender should rock the house.

Edge’s new Slim Jim commercial premieres on SmackDown this Friday night. I saw it and it’s a dandy. Nice wedding gift from his SD General Manager bride.

I wonder how Mr. McMahon is feeling these days. It sure seems as if everyone is tight-lipped on the Chairman’s health status other than the statements that the Boss’ children have made. Could we have a “McMahon sighting” this Sunday at the Nassau Coliseum, and if not, what about on Monday Night Raw from Mohegan Sun, which is a short limo ride for either of the two younger McMahons from their estates in Southern Connecticut. I really miss the Chairman, and I mean that, you knuckleheads.

A new Divas Champion will be crowned this Sunday in a bout between Michelle McCool and Natalya “Don’t call me Nattie” Neidhart. I’m leaning toward the third-generation Diva, which likely means that McCool is as good as champion as I write this.

For you baseball fans out there, here’s a stat for you … Tazz’s son Tyler is hitting an impressive .620 this season! That’s some big time hitting no matter the level of play. This 9-year-old is well on his way to making a name for himself on the baseball diamond. Congrats, Tyler.

We have some new merchandise on our Web site with many T-shirts priced at $9.99 and our new J.R.’s caps priced at $9.99 as well. Thanks for checking them out.

See you this weekend on Long Island and then on Tuesday down in Philly. I got to get to Philly on Monday so I can have a cheesesteak and catch Raw on TV Monday night. That’s my entire agenda on Monday, a Philly Cheesesteak and to watch Monday Night Raw. What’s there to complain about?

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.    

Have you ever heard the term “busier than a fruit merchant”? That would be ‘Ol J.R. these days, as we prepare to open our second J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Moore, Okla., this coming Wednesday, July 16 at 11 a.m. This bigger version of our original store is located at exit 116 off of I-35 on the west side of the interstate.

Between helping get this new place ready, working with new staff members, traveling to and broadcasting SmackDown and fulfilling my other WWE responsibilities, I am plenty busy. For the record, fruit merchants who used to set up along busy highways found they were not selling enough product and had to move quickly to other locales because of the perishable nature of their products. I just wanted to clear that analogy up for you city folks.

The fans in attendance in Baton Rouge Tuesday night for the SmackDown taping were not “off the hook” unfortunately when it came to the noise and enthusiasm department. Maybe too much pre-show gumbo? Or perhaps some were imbibing in more adult beverages than recommended – or were too busy chanting “Tiger Bait” at yours truly – which was reminiscent of their beloved LSU football team beating the Oklahoma Sooners a few years back in the Sugar Bowl for the National Title. Ah, there’s never a dull moment on the road.

Friday night’s SmackDown features plenty of wrestling action for those of you WWE fans who prefer wrestling over talk. With the ongoing saga between scorned lovers Edge and GM Vickie Guerrero, and plenty of other involved parties playing both sides of the fence regarding this matter, there is also sufficient verbalizing to really make this Friday Night SmackDown a well-balanced broadcast.

No, I am not overly unbiased when it comes to SmackDown. Hell, I’m not unbiased at all … is that so wrong??

Triple H  makes his first SmackDown wrestling appearance as he takes on Chavo Guerrero, and how this match comes about was a little surprising. Plus, Matt Hardy and Shelton Benjamin have a strong bout, as does Edge who takes on Big Show in a No Disqualification Match, which goes to show all the guys out there to never anger their significant other.

The slow, continuous build for the undefeated Vladimir Kozlov is working as more fans are talking about the Moscow Mauler each week. In the not-too-distant future, Kozlov will be a legitimate force to be dealt with, as all the 300-pounder needs to make his way into main events is experience.

SmackDown next week will be taped in Charlotte, N.C,, which is obviously Ric Flair country. I am almost afraid of flying into Charlotte too early on Monday because “Naitch” may “force me” to hit the town with him on Monday night – when I need to be nestled in my hotel room watching Monday Night Raw like a good boy.

Monday Night Raw from New Orleans had its “moments” without question, especially toward the end of the night when it seemed as if “business picked up.” I watched the broadcast from our home in Norman on HDTV, and have to admit I had some “withdrawal” issues when the program first came on the air, but by the end of the night, all those issues dissipated, especially when Kane went on his surprising rampage. I did not envy Michael Cole, if that is his real name, being dragged over the announce table (splinters, ouch), nor did I relish seeing my pal The King being beaten to a pulp by the Big Red Machine.

I spoke with Lawler after the broadcast and he was still so woozy that he got lost in downtown New Orleans, and couldn’t find the Marriott on Canal Street. The WWE Hall of Famer either really misses his old partner who always rode “shotgun” and helped navigate, or The King’s bell was still ringing long after Raw left the air. I will be sending King some of his favorite 97 percent fat-free Beef Jerky that we are featuring as we speak at www.jrsbarbq.com to assist in Jerry’s convalescence.  

Speaking of The King, he and I will be making an appearance on Long Island Saturday afternoon prior to The Great American Bash at Franklin Park from 4 to 6 p.m.  

Finally as it relates to the Kane physicality, yours truly had his share of physical altercations on Monday Night Raw, so all I can say to my friend Cole is: Welcome to the “hot seat.”

Does any one know what “CTC” means as it was spray painted all over JBL’s gaudy limo Monday night by John Cena? Regarding the apparent Cena/Cryme Tyme relationship, all I have to say about that unique triumphant is “Yo, Yo, Yo”… Dawg.

Congrats to new World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, as I am a big fan of his, but I’m not sure I am enamored with Punk’s chances of retaining the World Title against the bigger, stronger Batista come Bash time. Punk pinning Batista on July 20 would truly help solidify the Straightedge Superstar as a potential long-term champion and silence any “doubting Toms” out there. Punk as champ certainly has provided Monday Night Raw with a fresh feel.  

Have you checked out dot com guru Joe E. Styles’ “Oh My Gawd” moment of the week, which is so prominently placed on the homepage of the vastly improved WWE.com? I am going to make Styles’ signature phrase my ring tone. I enjoy these classic, ECW moments.

BTW, I am still waiting on the self-professed BBQ guru Styles to write a “review” of our new restaurant, as he made a visit there on June 30 at a VIP party.

Man, ECW GM Theodore Long is signing new wrestlers (can I say wrestlers?) in his space, right and left. ECW has some new athletes who may be introduced with a whimper but will be asked to roar like lion’s before all is said and done. Good job, Theodore, as ECW fans, like all WWE fans, like to see new competitors get exposure.

Yours truly is still having a blast working with the entertaining and talented Mick Foley on Friday Night SmackDown, not to mention the opportunity to be home on the weekends – except for PPV weekends like the upcoming Bash on July 20. Mick and I have a lot of fun preparing for our broadcasts and Mick is still so new in his present role, that he asks an ample amount of questions which, I think, helps me improve my game. No matter what any one in WWE or in civilian life does for a living, we can all get better at what we do and those that don’t have that philosophy usually fail sooner than later.

However, I do think I’m going to have to have the proverbial “chat” with The Mick about his TV attire. That or I need to begin dressing down somewhat.

I hope you enjoy Friday Night SmackDown this week and ask a friend to watch as well. I enjoy reading your feedback about SmackDown.

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.   

Random thoughts from under the custom made black hat, after a busy three days that were good, especially considering that I never had to board one airplane. Other than the Mrs. providing me the occasional assist with my driving, and not understanding why I needed a Whataburger stop at midnight coming back to Norman from Dallas Sunday night, this was the most enjoyable few days of travel yours truly has experienced in a while.

The Night of Champions was a really solid pay-per-view in Dallas, and the huge, sold-out crowd in the American Airlines Center (not Arena) didn’t hurt a thing. It has been said many times in my ramblings over the years that a hot, live crowd can make a good show great – and a great show a lasting memory.

Working my first PPV with Mick Foley was fun and we are still in the “feeling out” stage as it relates to our timing. Even though our new partnership is a “work in progress,” I am confident that we will be the No. 1 broadcast team in WWE much “Sooner” than later. Oh, excuse me – but as the late Gorilla Monsoon used to say, I think I just broke my arm patting myself on the back.

Monday night in OKC, in front of the biggest wrestling crowd to ever attend a wrestling event in Oklahoma, I got to go to the Raw ring for the last time and say adios to the Raw fans around the world who have always supported my efforts no matter the circumstances, and who have been amazingly loyal to me over the years. Even though my journey on Monday Night Raw has concluded, I am genuinely excited about the new opportunity on Friday Night SmackDown, of which I am now in my second week. I fully expect to help elevate SmackDown, as far as the sound of the show, to another level or, at least, I’m damn sure going to try.

Oh, yeah, thanks Edge for being such an obnoxious tool when you interrupted my Farewell Address Monday night, especially when you had no business being at Raw in the first place. I know that didn’t set well with Edge’s beloved fiancée and BOSS, Vickie Guerrero.

I have to say that the reception I received in OKC Monday night was a moment that I will never forget, and I am sincerely grateful for the overwhelming show of support and the opportunity to bid adieu. Thanks, everybody. And I meant every word I said … especially the part about eat more BBQ. 

Nice night in OKC for CM Punk, who cashed in the Money in the Bank and won the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge – who had been battered and deep fried by Batista just moments before the bell tolled for the former champion. Big question now is: How long will the tattooed young man from Chicago be able to hold on to the title? It seems that many think more short term than long term, but I think it is too early to tell. One thing about it, just glancing over the list of potential challengers it would seem that Punk will go into many title defenses as the underdog. Punk has a unique style and a loyal, albeit “cult” following, which reminds me of the talented RVD when he first came to WWE. And that’s not a bad thing.

Friday Night SmackDown features a couple of outstanding bouts – one featuring Jeff Hardy vs. John Morrison, which I personally thought was outstanding. From my perspective, this one features two of the future building blocks in WWE and was an athletic and unpredictable contest with some really innovative offense and counters. You’re gonna like it come Friday night.

What I have enjoyed as much as anything going over to Friday night’s is that SmackDown seems to feature more in-ring action which is my kind of “sauce.”

The Fatal Four-Way for the United States Championship featuring champion Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Shelton Benjamin, and Chavo Guerrero was chaotic and non-stop and definitely had the Tulsa fans on the edge of their seats.

Plus, Mick Foley and I had the occasion to do commentary for an important Diva bout with Natalya Neidhart, which was very interesting to say the least.  Ms. Neidhart has a definite gift of gab and we all know she is a potentially huge star. We even talked about her grandfather Stu Hart’s Calgary Dungeon.  

All in all a good night from the Tulsa Convention Center, which likely hosted its last wrestling event ever as the new BOK Arena will open next door to the Convention Center this fall. The BOK Arena will seat in the neighborhood of 16-18,000, which should put Tulsa in line some day for a WWE pay-per-view.

Even if your Fourth of July activities prevent you from watching Friday Night SmackDown live, which is certainly understandable, I encourage you to record the program. Mick and I had a blast doing the show and I think that comes through in our commentary. Mick even revealed his personal choice for President of the United States, I think, but will that political statement make air? Stay tuned.

Before SmackDown, I was telling Mick that the first time I ever stepped into a wrestling ring was in the very arena we were in for the show in Tulsa. I refereed a 10 minute time limit draw around 1974 between Mike George and Treacherous Phillips. How’s that for useless trivia? It’s all a part of the paying of dues, folks.

Finally, if you tune into SmackDown Friday night, be sure and listen very closely to the verbal exchange between Triple H and MVP, which evolved into much more than the predictable battle of the initials. Some funny and entertaining stuff I promise you.

Special things are happening on Friday night’s and the best is yet to come. Be sure and check out my many weekly blogs at www.jrsbarbq.com as they are read by some of wrestling’s most influential people and other’s who are some of the top-rated “wannabes” around. That was meant to be humor … or was it? Let’s get Oliver Stone on the phone.

Yours truly is anxious to get down to the heart of the old Mid South Wrestling territory next week for SmackDown in Baton Rouge, where, at one time, they dearly loved the incomparable Junkyard Dog. I can taste the Gumbo now!

Boomer Sooner!
J.R.        

I am excited about my first broadcast on Smackdown this Friday night and hope that you tune in. Mick Foley is going to be a great partner and our goal is to quickly become the WWE's top broadcast duo.

Smackdown has an exciting new roster to a large degree and from top to bottom one of the best rosters assembled in the WWE in years. There is no viable reason that I can think of that would preclude Smackdown from becoming the dominate brand in the WWE much "Sooner" than later.

I truly hope all the fans that have followed the work of yours truly will check out Friday Night Smackdown beginning this Friday and every Friday.

Moving to Smackdown is a great opportunity for yours truly and after the initial shock and disappointment of leaving The King and Monday Night Raw after oh so many years, I am postive, clear headed, and ready to carve a new niche in my career with this challenge.

Again, I sincerely appreciate everyone's sentiments during this amazing week but nothing lasts forever except for our passion for wrestling and "business is about to pick up" on Smackdown!

Boomer Sooner,

J.R. (www.jrsbarbq.com)

Another busy week balancing Monday Night Raw travel, travel to Connecticut from Oklahoma to work on a WWE 24/7 project and spending time with the Mrs. getting our 2nd J.R.'s Family BBQ Restaurant ready to open in less than 3 weeks in Moore, Oklahoma.

Yours truly enjoyed the trip to Salt Lake City, except for the 10 hours it took to get back to Oklahoma from Utah, and the SLC crowd in the E Center was arguably the hottest Raw crowd of 08.

The Jericho/HBK saga has my interest but would be shocked to see Michaels in San Antonio this Monday night even though it is his hometown.

Sounds like HHH and John Cena haved advanced past the "not personal" stage in their pending WWE Title Bout slated for The Night of Champions in Dallas on Sunday June 29 which is the day before the big Monday Night Raw in my home turf of Oklahoma City. This WWE Championship tussel will no doubt go on last in Dallas.

OKC hosting Raw doesn't bring back a plethora of warm memories for yours truly to be perfectly honest with you. I have kissed Mr. McMahon's Ass there, been beated up by such men as Stone Cold, and I have the scar to prove it, The Undertaker and Kurt Angle in one night kicked my arse way back in the day, teamed with King to face the duo of Lance Storm and William Regal, and was completely humiliated and embarassed when the Governor of Oklahoma declared January 24 "Jim Ross Day" in Oklahoma which promptly lead to another in ring debacle.

Last time were were in OKC "Big **** Johnson" (nice name) inserted himself when yours truly was saying good night to the fans and I retaliated by inserting the mic cube into BDJ's head. Oops.

The Good Lord only knows what fate awaits yours truly come Monday June 30 but as the old saying goes, what doesn't kill you will only make one stronger.

Someone told me that over 3.5 MILLION WWE fans have registered on WWE.com to try and win some of Mr. McMahon's personal cash. That's amazing.

The recent and overwhelming success of WWE.com since Joe E. Styles has come on board will no doubt see the former ECW voice get a little more "cheese on his ****per" come review time at which point it is obvious to what Joe E. Styles will proclaim..."OH MY GAWD!!" It will be well deserved but remember kid, it's not what you make in this business but what you save. :)

I was with Stone Cold Steve Austin, among so many wrestling greats including Bret Hart and Dr. Death Steve Williams, at the recent Cauliflower Alley Club's 43rdAnnual Reunion and expect to hear some major news about several new projects that Austin is about to launch. I know many of the details regarding the TV concept that Steve is getting involved with but that will stay well under wraps for the time being but suffice it to say I think Austin fans will love it! I can see Steve easily becoming a viable action adventrue movie star sooner than later especially with some of the projects he has discussed with yours truly.

Personallhy I would love for Steve to do a western and hire me as his lovealble "side-kick" who gets the bullet, or arrow, early in the film. Hey, a guy can day dream can't he?

Why is the WWE Draft format such a damn secret? What if the rumor that Mike Adamle was brought in to replace yours truly is accurate and Adamle leaves Tazz and takes over for 'Ol J.R. on Mondays. Don't think that one hasn't been discussed at some point "behind the scenes".

I look at leaving Raw like an athlete would look at leaving the team that he has played for his entire career. Essentially I have been on Raw for so long that it feels like home and I am not ready to leave home yet...so to speak.

Monday night in San Antonio cold be a most interesting evening for many WWE Superstars and even a few of us ham and eggers.

More on these topics and more on www.jrsbarbq,com.

Thanks! JR